REgroup, CP Group to build advanced MRF in Nova Scotia

REgroup, part of the Municipal Group of Companies, has been selected by Circular Materials, a nonprofit producer responsibility organization, to design, build and operate a new material recovery facility (MRF) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with system design and integration by San Diego-based sorting equipment manufacturer CP Group. 

The 112,000-square-foot facility will serve Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, representing an infrastructure investment designed to feature advanced imaging systems, modernize postcollection processing and increase material recovery.

The MRF will incorporate processing technologies engineered to handle complex material streams emerging from provincial and territorial regulations across Canada, CP Group says, to deliver strong environmental outcomes so more materials are recycled into new packaging and products. 

“The Municipal Group is proud of REgroup’s collaboration with Circular Materials on this transformative project," says Ken MacLean, Municipal Group of Companies vice president and general counsel. “As an Atlantic-based organization, we’re deeply invested in advancing recycling innovation right here at home through our affiliated companies. REgroup’s facility represents a major step forward in material recovery, technology and environmental stewardship for our region.” 

The facility will process 30 tons per hour and feature dual infeeds and advanced sorting equipment to address the material separation requirements of modern packaging waste streams. CP Group’s Auger Screens will be used on the front end of the system to improve processing consistency, according to the equipment manufacturer and system designer. 

The optical sorting infrastructure will include 11 MSS near-infrared (NIR) optical units to provide comprehensive material identification and separation, complemented by imaging systems for enhanced material recognition and quality control of aluminum. A scavenger optical sorter positioned on the last-chance line will maximize material recovery rates.

The facility's plastic film recovery solution uses density, mechanical and NIR optical separation technologies. A supervisory control and data acquisition system will provide real-time monitoring and process optimization throughout the facility. 

“CP Group is honored to be selected by REgroup to partner and deliver such an important system for Atlantic Canada,” says Richard Coupland, senior vice presidnet of strategy and growth at CP Group. “With the growing momentum of extended producer responsibility (EPR) across North America, CP Group is excited to apply the unique capabilities of our technology to address the requirements of this new facility.” 

Canada's move toward EPR shifts the operational and financial responsibility for the recycling program from municipalities to producers, requiring enhanced processing capabilities to meet recovery targets and material quality specifications.  

CP Group says the Halifax recycling facility's design addresses these requirements through enhanced material purity specifications required by EPR programs, improved processing efficiency to handle increased material volumes, technology integration supporting detailed material tracking and infrastructure designed to accommodate evolving packaging formats and materials. 

The Halifax MRF is expected to be operational in early 2027.